MAKE MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME!
Follow celeb chef MATT MORAN’S fail-safe tips for a standout festive feed
From slaving over holiday dishes to making sure your home is spick-andspan, throwing a festive season get-together can see the day whiz past in a blur of hosting duties. Don’t let the party pressure get to you! Instead, follow Aussie chef Matt Moran’s simple steps to making memorable moments with your friends and family.
Don’t be a perfectionist
Take the relaxed approach, and don’t let the pressure of cooking for a crowd overwhelm you. “If a dish isn’t perfect it’s OK,” says Matt. “I’ve had my fair share of cooking fails! A big part of Christmas day is just enjoying it, so if the ice-cream cake turns to slop because it didn’t set in time and it’s 40 degrees, take a photo and laugh about it!”
Stop and smell the stuffing
Christmas is about celebrating the good things in life, so allow yourself time to enjoy festive foods – even if you’re the one cooking. “Take time to taste- test the food, smell the glaze bubbling, pause to watch the goose bake,” advises Matt.
Create your own traditions
Embrace Christmas with foods your family and friends love, and the happy memories are sure to follow. “Our food moment takes place over a traditional Christmas with all the trimmings,” says Matt. “It’s all about my roast turkey with classic bread stuffing (though I usually add my own twist to include some sausage mince to the bird). I do a goose too, eggnog, brandy puddings, and my favourite of all – a whole baked leg ham with maple syrup and a clove glaze.”
Celebrate family faves
“There’s something about carrying on a family recipe,” says Matt. “Whether it’s a full dish or just a favourite glaze loved by all. For instance, my famous whole leg ham started years ago when my brother-in-law handed down a recipe for one of the most
incredibly delicious glazing syrups. This particular recipe is a family secret and something I know will be passed down for years to come.”
Sharing is caring
The best memories happen when people come together, so don’t be shy in accepting offers of help, says Matt. “Although I take full charge in the kitchen on Christmas day, I certainly won’t deny any of my friends to bring their favourite dish with them!” he says. “We bond over food and it should tell a story.”